Sunday, November 30, 2008
Come to think of it
You know, I oould probably have skipped Batman RIP entirely and just waited for "Battle for the Cowl."
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Marvel Select New Captain America Action Figure
Way back in April, I preordered this thing. I'm not ordinarily a big fan of the Marvel Select line--they're scaled a bit too tall to go with the other action figures easily, and they tend to be designed to be posed in one particular position. However, I've wanted this character in action figure form, and I wasn't sure whether it would be offered as a Marvel Legend, and the figure looked decent in the pics, so I ordered.
Well, he is pretty tall. Not outrageously so--he won't look disproportionate to the other figures, just tall--which would be less of a big deal if Bucky/Cap is supposed to be relatively average in height for a superhero. About 5'9" if I recall correctly.
The figure is reasonably posable. He bends at shoulder, arm, knee and hip. The shoulders and hips also turn outward, which is nice. He also bends at the ankles and turns at the waist, and the head nods and turns. The only real problem is at the hip joints, where if you sit him down, the legs spread and turn, which limits his sitting ability considerably. Still, not terrible, and better than I really expected from this line after She-Hulk. The right hand has a gun permanently attached, but at least it's just the one hand (Jason Todd has two, which makes him kind of difficult to play with).
And it's a decent-looking figure. Not thrilling, but certainly acceptable. The costume looks pretty good. It's shiny where it's supposed to be but not glaringly so. The main thing that looks a little odd is at the hip--the way the legs are attached, the thighs stick out a bit beyond the hip, giving him a bit of a "saddlebag" effect. And I can't say that the face looks quite right (he looks more "Steve" than "Bucky," really), but that's not that uncommon in any action figures.
Overall, I like it, but I'm hoping for a Marvel Legends version in the future.
Well, he is pretty tall. Not outrageously so--he won't look disproportionate to the other figures, just tall--which would be less of a big deal if Bucky/Cap is supposed to be relatively average in height for a superhero. About 5'9" if I recall correctly.
The figure is reasonably posable. He bends at shoulder, arm, knee and hip. The shoulders and hips also turn outward, which is nice. He also bends at the ankles and turns at the waist, and the head nods and turns. The only real problem is at the hip joints, where if you sit him down, the legs spread and turn, which limits his sitting ability considerably. Still, not terrible, and better than I really expected from this line after She-Hulk. The right hand has a gun permanently attached, but at least it's just the one hand (Jason Todd has two, which makes him kind of difficult to play with).
And it's a decent-looking figure. Not thrilling, but certainly acceptable. The costume looks pretty good. It's shiny where it's supposed to be but not glaringly so. The main thing that looks a little odd is at the hip--the way the legs are attached, the thighs stick out a bit beyond the hip, giving him a bit of a "saddlebag" effect. And I can't say that the face looks quite right (he looks more "Steve" than "Bucky," really), but that's not that uncommon in any action figures.
Overall, I like it, but I'm hoping for a Marvel Legends version in the future.
Friday, November 28, 2008
What I actually don't like about Brand New Day
I didn't care much about the whole One More Day/Brand New Day scenario, not really. Never did read much Spider-Man, nor cared a whole lot about the character other than as part of the background in the Marvel titles I did read. So, MJ or not, public persona or not, didn't make a lot of difference to me.
However, it was still something I found a little bothersome.
Because it seemed to be a strike at something I'd always really liked about Marvel Comics. Something that differentiated them from DC, in my mind.
See, in the Marvel Universe, if you read it in a comic, it was part of the official story. No matter how stupid, no matter how lame, no matter how much it conflicted with everything we knew about the character in question, it happened. (Well, unless it happened in an issue of What If?, but that was explicitly out of continuity. The out-of-continuity was even in the title! It was consigned to its own little corner of the comic lineup.)
Whereas DC, on the other hand...well, they always did have the imaginary stories, but those were usually identified as such so I won't complain about them (apart from the fact that they occurred within the pages of otherwise-in-continuity titles). But DC liked Crises. They liked to change their whole universe(s) every so often. I understand that they were doing it in an attempt to simplify, to make a continuity workable after however-many decades of stories.
But damn, it makes it hard to get interested in any particular character when you never know whether that character will "make the cut" the next time the company decides to reorganize. Why invest the emotional energy (insofar as that can apply to fictional characters) in them when they may not be around in the long run? Why pay attention to storylines, team-ups, partnerships, relationships when they may be overwritten on a whim?
Well, I've grown to like the DC universe well enough that I'm willing to take that chance, at least for some titles and characters. But the DC Universe does seem, to me, to be awfully unstable, at least in narrative terms. I notice a personal reluctance to pay too much attention to what's going on, especially when "change is in the air" (which is, what, all the time these days?).
Marvel, on the other hand, has generally embraced their Silver Age weirdness and so forth. Apart from the in-my-opinion-unnecessary sliding time scale, of course. Brand New Day, however, comes unfortunately close to being something I really don't care for. And I think the company recognizes this--thus all the commentary from the company about how "all the stories you read as a kid still happened, they just weren't married."
So, Spider-Man and his changing marital status isn't really something that's going to affect my own comic-reading experience, because I don't care that much about that particular character. However, it's a sign that yes, Marvel is willing to use that sort of rewriting of character history, and I can't help but think that the next time, it'll be someone I do care about.
Because I am that kind of annoying comic fan, apparently.
However, it was still something I found a little bothersome.
Because it seemed to be a strike at something I'd always really liked about Marvel Comics. Something that differentiated them from DC, in my mind.
See, in the Marvel Universe, if you read it in a comic, it was part of the official story. No matter how stupid, no matter how lame, no matter how much it conflicted with everything we knew about the character in question, it happened. (Well, unless it happened in an issue of What If?, but that was explicitly out of continuity. The out-of-continuity was even in the title! It was consigned to its own little corner of the comic lineup.)
Whereas DC, on the other hand...well, they always did have the imaginary stories, but those were usually identified as such so I won't complain about them (apart from the fact that they occurred within the pages of otherwise-in-continuity titles). But DC liked Crises. They liked to change their whole universe(s) every so often. I understand that they were doing it in an attempt to simplify, to make a continuity workable after however-many decades of stories.
But damn, it makes it hard to get interested in any particular character when you never know whether that character will "make the cut" the next time the company decides to reorganize. Why invest the emotional energy (insofar as that can apply to fictional characters) in them when they may not be around in the long run? Why pay attention to storylines, team-ups, partnerships, relationships when they may be overwritten on a whim?
Well, I've grown to like the DC universe well enough that I'm willing to take that chance, at least for some titles and characters. But the DC Universe does seem, to me, to be awfully unstable, at least in narrative terms. I notice a personal reluctance to pay too much attention to what's going on, especially when "change is in the air" (which is, what, all the time these days?).
Marvel, on the other hand, has generally embraced their Silver Age weirdness and so forth. Apart from the in-my-opinion-unnecessary sliding time scale, of course. Brand New Day, however, comes unfortunately close to being something I really don't care for. And I think the company recognizes this--thus all the commentary from the company about how "all the stories you read as a kid still happened, they just weren't married."
So, Spider-Man and his changing marital status isn't really something that's going to affect my own comic-reading experience, because I don't care that much about that particular character. However, it's a sign that yes, Marvel is willing to use that sort of rewriting of character history, and I can't help but think that the next time, it'll be someone I do care about.
Because I am that kind of annoying comic fan, apparently.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Giving my comic-book thanks
Comic-related things I'm thankful for:
1. A Secret Six ongoing series.
2. The New Cap action figure (on its way to our house RIGHT NOW!)
3. Being old enough to appreciate the Silver Age both as camp and the way it was intended.
4. Heroclix, for as long as it survives.
5. The comic blogoverse (which is to say, you guys! :))
1. A Secret Six ongoing series.
2. The New Cap action figure (on its way to our house RIGHT NOW!)
3. Being old enough to appreciate the Silver Age both as camp and the way it was intended.
4. Heroclix, for as long as it survives.
5. The comic blogoverse (which is to say, you guys! :))
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Holiday shopping fun
The nine-year-old gave me a list of the MiniMates she'd like for Christmas.
Guess I'm going to be hanging out at eBay for a while.
Well, it's better than going to the mall.
Guess I'm going to be hanging out at eBay for a while.
Well, it's better than going to the mall.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
List of the day
Five comic things I have no interest in:
1. New Krypton. If just the one Superman never appealed to me, you can imagine how I feel about a planet full of them.
2. Daredevil. Ever. I just never cared for this guy. (And I get the impression that his current book is just an incredibly depressing read!)
3. Comic adaptations of classic novels. I know I ought to be, but I'm just not that classy and I'm not willing to pretend to be. Not even for Wizard of Oz.
4. Smallville. The kids and the husband liked it, but to me it was nails-on-chalkboard annoying. Even though I got to win an argument with the husband re Pa Kent = Bo Duke.
5. Any Hulk-related title other than She-Hulk. Red Hulks, Grey Hulks, Green Hulks, you'd think they were wearing power rings.
1. New Krypton. If just the one Superman never appealed to me, you can imagine how I feel about a planet full of them.
2. Daredevil. Ever. I just never cared for this guy. (And I get the impression that his current book is just an incredibly depressing read!)
3. Comic adaptations of classic novels. I know I ought to be, but I'm just not that classy and I'm not willing to pretend to be. Not even for Wizard of Oz.
4. Smallville. The kids and the husband liked it, but to me it was nails-on-chalkboard annoying. Even though I got to win an argument with the husband re Pa Kent = Bo Duke.
5. Any Hulk-related title other than She-Hulk. Red Hulks, Grey Hulks, Green Hulks, you'd think they were wearing power rings.
Monday, November 24, 2008
No end to the internet!
Just realized that Twitter has greatly increased the amount of time that I spend online following interesting links. So thanks!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Dear Santa
I've decided that what I'd really like for Christmas is a Black Widow ongoing series.
That's not asking so much, is it?
That's not asking so much, is it?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
What am I thinking?
I cannot believe that I am considering picking up X-Men Noir when it's out in trade. Not only is it X-Men, it's out of continuity.
But this makes it look pretty good.
But this makes it look pretty good.
Friday, November 21, 2008
If I were a rich girl...
When I was a kid, back in the 1970s, there were no trade paperbacks. If you wanted to read a comic book from days past, you looked through some comic book store's catalog and ordered it. And the book I most coveted? Avengers #4. The one where Captain America returns. I wanted it. Unfortunately, even in Good condition, the thing was $20.00. Fortunately, my parents were comic-tolerant and it became a birthday present one year. It's still probably the most memorable birthday present I've ever been given. I remember how exciting it was just to hold it in my hands. I read it slowly, savoring every word. It remained one of my most treasured possessions for many years.
These days...well, frankly, I'd still think more than twice about paying $20 for a single comic book. Paying the 2008 equivalent of mid-70s $20 would likely be out of the question. Even if it were the emotional equivalent of Avengers 4. As an adult, a far smaller percentage of income tends to be disposable.
However, were I to win the lottery? (A neat trick since I never play.) Or that Publisher's Clearing House thing that the fourteen-year-old insists we send in? Well, then all bets would be off.
So. Here is my list of my top five things I'd love, in no particular order, that I'll never have unless I suddenly become independently wealthy:
1. That series of TPBs of every Batman story ever published.
There are really only a couple of superheroes that have had an uninterrupted run since their creation--Batman and Superman. And I'm far less a fan of Superman than of Batman. And Batman has seemed particularly vulnerable to writer adaptation. So this opportunity to see it happen, to see how the character changed slowly over time, would be fantastic.
2. Comprehensive collection of Marvel Masterworks editions of Golden Age Timely comics.
As any one who's read this blog at all knows, I loves me some early Captain America, Human Torch and of course the Sub-Mariner--Golden Age Namor really has no equal in the smartass category. I even own a handful of these volumes, but at $50 a pop I'm unlikely to ever own them all.
3. Complete collection of Legion of Superheroes appearances, from Adventure Comics on.
At least all the pre-Crisis material.
4. Statues.
Yeah, statues. I'm not a statue-buyer, never bought a single one, and don't plan to. I like to look at the pretty pictures but have never really yearned after them. However, were I to find myself overwhelmed with spare cash, statues of superheroes are just the sort of thing that I would probably decide to consume conspicuously.
5. A Bat-mobile.
I guess it would have to be a custom, but with the kind of money I'm imagining, why not?
These days...well, frankly, I'd still think more than twice about paying $20 for a single comic book. Paying the 2008 equivalent of mid-70s $20 would likely be out of the question. Even if it were the emotional equivalent of Avengers 4. As an adult, a far smaller percentage of income tends to be disposable.
However, were I to win the lottery? (A neat trick since I never play.) Or that Publisher's Clearing House thing that the fourteen-year-old insists we send in? Well, then all bets would be off.
So. Here is my list of my top five things I'd love, in no particular order, that I'll never have unless I suddenly become independently wealthy:
1. That series of TPBs of every Batman story ever published.
There are really only a couple of superheroes that have had an uninterrupted run since their creation--Batman and Superman. And I'm far less a fan of Superman than of Batman. And Batman has seemed particularly vulnerable to writer adaptation. So this opportunity to see it happen, to see how the character changed slowly over time, would be fantastic.
2. Comprehensive collection of Marvel Masterworks editions of Golden Age Timely comics.
As any one who's read this blog at all knows, I loves me some early Captain America, Human Torch and of course the Sub-Mariner--Golden Age Namor really has no equal in the smartass category. I even own a handful of these volumes, but at $50 a pop I'm unlikely to ever own them all.
3. Complete collection of Legion of Superheroes appearances, from Adventure Comics on.
At least all the pre-Crisis material.
4. Statues.
Yeah, statues. I'm not a statue-buyer, never bought a single one, and don't plan to. I like to look at the pretty pictures but have never really yearned after them. However, were I to find myself overwhelmed with spare cash, statues of superheroes are just the sort of thing that I would probably decide to consume conspicuously.
5. A Bat-mobile.
I guess it would have to be a custom, but with the kind of money I'm imagining, why not?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
What I Want: The February 09 Marvel Solicitations
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #22
DARK AVENGERS #2
MS. MARVEL #36
NEW AVENGERS #50
DEADPOOL #7
MIGHTY AVENGERS #22
Hey, if they've got nothing to say, I've got nothing to say.
But it's not what one would call full solicitations, now is it?
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #585
The biggest Spider-Man story since NEW WAYS TO DIE continues! It's Menace versus Spider-Man, and the loser ain’t walking away! Plus, Lily Hollister’s reaction to Harry Osborn's shocking pronouncement and we come a step closer to revealing the Spider-Tracer Killer! All that plus...the secrets of Menace stand revealed!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #586
No more secrets. No more lies. With Menace unmasked, the whole story of who he is and how he came to be is finally revealed and it promises to shake Peter Parker’s world to its foundation. Find out all the answers you’ve been demanding in this special Character Assassination interlude!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #587
Spidey's loved ones are in danger, but to save them he'll have to face thirty of his deadliest foes. Meanwhile, Carlie Cooper and Vin Gonzales are in deeper trouble than they thought and Harry Osborn and Lily Hollister face the election results.
You know, I haven't even been reading this one. (It's for the fourteen-year-old, in any case.) Guess I'm really just not a Spider-fan.
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #10
The king of the vampires is back. As if the hoards of demons that Pete Wisdom let out in order to defeat the Skrulls in England weren’t enough, now DRACULA has entered the scene. What does he want with Spitfire? And how will an election help his cause? You better hope that Captain Britain and the rest of MI13 have a way to defeat him!
You know, I'm not actually all that into vampires. Not since I was, say, fifteen or sixteen. But it's been a good book so I'll have faith.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #47
The New Captain America in the hands of the enemy in China! His secret past as the Winter Soldier in danger of coming to light! And what are his old Invaders teammate the Sub-Mariner and the Black Widow doing while Bucky Barnes faces his darkest past?
I'm sure that what they're doing isn't what I'd like to see them doing. ;)
MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #33
Ka-Zar's in town, and needs the Avengers' help! While helping the Natural History Museum install a new dinosaur diorama, Ka-Zar decides he should get a driver's license, and the Avengers are pegged to help the lord of the Savage Land learn to drive! As if THAT isn't bad enough (and it IS) the manical villain Stegron steals a rare dinosaur bone he believes can raise his powers to enormous levels, and he's right! Drive on up to this issue for action x 3 with slugfests, dinosaurs, and driving lessons, in "You're Driving Me Crazy!"
For the nine-year-old.
RUNAWAYS #7
The spookiest Runaways tale ever starts here! The Val Rhymin subplot has been brewing since issue one and peeks here! Chase’s boss is not what he seems! Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo) welcomes former RUNAWAYS artist Takeshi Miyazawa aboard for this creepy tale of magic and mayhem!
Actually I need to ask the fourteen-year-old whether she likes this enough to keep getting it.
SHE-HULK #38
SHE-HULK R.I.P.!
She's been savage. She's been sensational. She's been an avenger. She's been a lawyer. She's been a bounty-hunter. But there's one thing She-Hulk has always been, in all of her many series... cancelled. But it hasn't stopped her yet! In this oversized final issue, Peter David brings his run on the Jade Giantess to a close... but can Jen use her last remaining pages to save her friends from a truly mammoth threat? Catch her now, before someone turns her red!
Final issue? NOOOOOOOOO!
YOUNG X-MEN #11
Dust is dying. Ever since she was turned to glass in YOUNG X-MEN #3, things haven’t been right, and they’re only getting worse. Why does she think that Donald Pierce may hold the answer?
I'm not sure why I am so fond of this book (and it's sort-of predecessor) when I really have no interest in other X-books.
INCREDIBLE HERCULES: LOVE AND WAR PREMIERE HC
The Greek Goliath is looking for some R&R after the events of "Sacred Invasion," and hopes to find it in the arms of ex-Renegade NAMORA. But there's no rest for warriors when the AMAZONS declare war on Atlantis! And these ain't your mama's Amazons — is that why Amadeus Cho sides with them instead of Herc? Plus: ARES returns! Collecting INCREDIBLE HERCULES: AGAINST THE WORLD TPB STILL AVAILABLE!
I guess this becomes one of my "wait for the trade" books this month. (And I guess I have to look for that last one that I somehow missed whenever it came out?)
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 3 — THE MAN WHO BOUGHT AMERICA TPB
...if you aren’t picking up Ed Brubaker’s Captain America, there is something seriously wrong with you." — EntertainmentWeekly.com
Dissatisfied with this year’s electoral pickings? Not excited, inspired or made to feel safer by the election-year promises of the right or left wing? Well, fear not! The Third Wing is here, and they want your vote! The nation’s newest political party is led by a charismatic politician — and endorsed by none other than THE Captain America! You heard that right! Cap is back, and he’s chosen a side. A side backed by the Red Skull — the man who bought America! Ed Brubaker shocked the world with his “Death of Captain America” epic — a storyline kicked off by the assassination of a fabled hero that made news headlines worldwide! This classic Cap saga now culminates in a tale of suspense that ties together all eras of the star-spangled warrior’s history! Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA #37-42
...ooookay, this could be a pricey month. Might have to wait a bit on some of these trades...
INVADERS CLASSIC VOL. 3 TPB
Cap, Namor, Torch and company face a riddle in Egypt when the sizzling Scarlet Scarab comes down against BOTH sides of the war! Agent Axis, Master Man and the Teutonic Knight are also arrayed against the Invaders — but how do they deal with a less tangible nemesis, prejudice both home and abroad? Featuring the formation of the Kid Commandos, the empowerment of Union Jack and the origin of Toro the Flaming Kid! Guest-starring the Mighty Thor, the Mighty Destroyer and NOT the Frankenstein Monster but a remarkable facsimile! Collecting INVADERS #22-23 and #25-34.
Eeeek! (Watches money flying out of window.)
DARK AVENGERS #2
MS. MARVEL #36
NEW AVENGERS #50
DEADPOOL #7
MIGHTY AVENGERS #22
Hey, if they've got nothing to say, I've got nothing to say.
But it's not what one would call full solicitations, now is it?
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #585
The biggest Spider-Man story since NEW WAYS TO DIE continues! It's Menace versus Spider-Man, and the loser ain’t walking away! Plus, Lily Hollister’s reaction to Harry Osborn's shocking pronouncement and we come a step closer to revealing the Spider-Tracer Killer! All that plus...the secrets of Menace stand revealed!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #586
No more secrets. No more lies. With Menace unmasked, the whole story of who he is and how he came to be is finally revealed and it promises to shake Peter Parker’s world to its foundation. Find out all the answers you’ve been demanding in this special Character Assassination interlude!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #587
Spidey's loved ones are in danger, but to save them he'll have to face thirty of his deadliest foes. Meanwhile, Carlie Cooper and Vin Gonzales are in deeper trouble than they thought and Harry Osborn and Lily Hollister face the election results.
You know, I haven't even been reading this one. (It's for the fourteen-year-old, in any case.) Guess I'm really just not a Spider-fan.
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #10
The king of the vampires is back. As if the hoards of demons that Pete Wisdom let out in order to defeat the Skrulls in England weren’t enough, now DRACULA has entered the scene. What does he want with Spitfire? And how will an election help his cause? You better hope that Captain Britain and the rest of MI13 have a way to defeat him!
You know, I'm not actually all that into vampires. Not since I was, say, fifteen or sixteen. But it's been a good book so I'll have faith.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #47
The New Captain America in the hands of the enemy in China! His secret past as the Winter Soldier in danger of coming to light! And what are his old Invaders teammate the Sub-Mariner and the Black Widow doing while Bucky Barnes faces his darkest past?
I'm sure that what they're doing isn't what I'd like to see them doing. ;)
MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #33
Ka-Zar's in town, and needs the Avengers' help! While helping the Natural History Museum install a new dinosaur diorama, Ka-Zar decides he should get a driver's license, and the Avengers are pegged to help the lord of the Savage Land learn to drive! As if THAT isn't bad enough (and it IS) the manical villain Stegron steals a rare dinosaur bone he believes can raise his powers to enormous levels, and he's right! Drive on up to this issue for action x 3 with slugfests, dinosaurs, and driving lessons, in "You're Driving Me Crazy!"
For the nine-year-old.
RUNAWAYS #7
The spookiest Runaways tale ever starts here! The Val Rhymin subplot has been brewing since issue one and peeks here! Chase’s boss is not what he seems! Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo) welcomes former RUNAWAYS artist Takeshi Miyazawa aboard for this creepy tale of magic and mayhem!
Actually I need to ask the fourteen-year-old whether she likes this enough to keep getting it.
SHE-HULK #38
SHE-HULK R.I.P.!
She's been savage. She's been sensational. She's been an avenger. She's been a lawyer. She's been a bounty-hunter. But there's one thing She-Hulk has always been, in all of her many series... cancelled. But it hasn't stopped her yet! In this oversized final issue, Peter David brings his run on the Jade Giantess to a close... but can Jen use her last remaining pages to save her friends from a truly mammoth threat? Catch her now, before someone turns her red!
Final issue? NOOOOOOOOO!
YOUNG X-MEN #11
Dust is dying. Ever since she was turned to glass in YOUNG X-MEN #3, things haven’t been right, and they’re only getting worse. Why does she think that Donald Pierce may hold the answer?
I'm not sure why I am so fond of this book (and it's sort-of predecessor) when I really have no interest in other X-books.
INCREDIBLE HERCULES: LOVE AND WAR PREMIERE HC
The Greek Goliath is looking for some R&R after the events of "Sacred Invasion," and hopes to find it in the arms of ex-Renegade NAMORA. But there's no rest for warriors when the AMAZONS declare war on Atlantis! And these ain't your mama's Amazons — is that why Amadeus Cho sides with them instead of Herc? Plus: ARES returns! Collecting INCREDIBLE HERCULES: AGAINST THE WORLD TPB STILL AVAILABLE!
I guess this becomes one of my "wait for the trade" books this month. (And I guess I have to look for that last one that I somehow missed whenever it came out?)
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 3 — THE MAN WHO BOUGHT AMERICA TPB
...if you aren’t picking up Ed Brubaker’s Captain America, there is something seriously wrong with you." — EntertainmentWeekly.com
Dissatisfied with this year’s electoral pickings? Not excited, inspired or made to feel safer by the election-year promises of the right or left wing? Well, fear not! The Third Wing is here, and they want your vote! The nation’s newest political party is led by a charismatic politician — and endorsed by none other than THE Captain America! You heard that right! Cap is back, and he’s chosen a side. A side backed by the Red Skull — the man who bought America! Ed Brubaker shocked the world with his “Death of Captain America” epic — a storyline kicked off by the assassination of a fabled hero that made news headlines worldwide! This classic Cap saga now culminates in a tale of suspense that ties together all eras of the star-spangled warrior’s history! Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA #37-42
...ooookay, this could be a pricey month. Might have to wait a bit on some of these trades...
INVADERS CLASSIC VOL. 3 TPB
Cap, Namor, Torch and company face a riddle in Egypt when the sizzling Scarlet Scarab comes down against BOTH sides of the war! Agent Axis, Master Man and the Teutonic Knight are also arrayed against the Invaders — but how do they deal with a less tangible nemesis, prejudice both home and abroad? Featuring the formation of the Kid Commandos, the empowerment of Union Jack and the origin of Toro the Flaming Kid! Guest-starring the Mighty Thor, the Mighty Destroyer and NOT the Frankenstein Monster but a remarkable facsimile! Collecting INVADERS #22-23 and #25-34.
Eeeek! (Watches money flying out of window.)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
What I Want: The February 09 DC Solicitations
BATMAN #686
“Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” part 1 of 2! Best-selling author Neil Gaiman (THE SANDMAN) and superstar artist Andy Kubert (BATMAN, Marvel 1602) join forces for a special 2-part BATMAN event! “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader” is a captivating and mysterious tale the likes of which Batman and friends have never experienced before. Delving into the realms of life, death and the afterlife, Gaiman leaves no stone unturned as he explores every facet and era of Bruce Wayne’s life.
DETECTIVE COMICS #853
“Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” part 2 of 2! This second part of Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert’s special collaboration is sure to be a BATMAN story for the ages. This extraordinary tale, told as only Gaiman and Kubert can, explores the intricate relationships between Bruce Wayne and his friends and adversaries and builds toward an exciting and unexpected climax. It’s a classic in the making!
I don't know for certain-sure if I want this, but I might. Honestly, Gaiman is not a selling point--I don't dislike him, have enjoyed his works in the past, but don't think that him as author will guarantee the book.
ROBIN #183
A “Batman: Last Rites” tie-in and featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Gotham City has found a new hero and his name is Robin – but with a battle for Batman's cowl looming, is Tim Drake ready to become something more? Guest-starring Jason Todd and Lady Shiva. And don’t worry, this final issue doesn’t mark the end of Robin – it’s just the start of an all-new beginning!
Oh, why not? It's the last one. Besides, it's got Jason Todd in it.
BIRDS OF PREY #127
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Oracle calls on Batgirl to investigate her newest operative, Infinity, to find out what she's made of. The answer is a lot more disconcerting to the team than they’d expect in this series finale!
Not sure what "Origins and Omens" is (have I missed something on the internet?) but will get it.
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #33
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! It’s the prelude to “The Blackest Night” as the “War of Light” continues to intensify! Mongul attempts to establish his hold on the Sinestro Corps by enslaving the planet Daxam and making it the home world of his Corps. What does Sinestro's right hand man, Arkillo, think of all this? And will Sodam Yat, the Green Lantern known as Ion, fight to save his homeworld, which he's vowed to never return to?
Well, I am kind of looking forward to "Blackest Night."
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #24
“Black Adam and Isis” part 2 and featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup! The Justice Society faces off against a fully powered Black Adam and his wife, Isis, for control of the Rock of Eternity. But when Mary Marvel enters the fray, will she side with the Justice Society or join the Black Marvel family?
I believe I mentioned this one yesterday.
SECRET SIX #6
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! This is the big one! After Junior's horrifying unmasking last issue, the bruised and battered remnants of the Secret Six try to deliver their package to their mysterious benefactor in Gotham City, a city made even more dangerous by the notable absence of Batman. The only problem is a crowd of villains and heroes determined to block them every step of the way!
This is the one I'm most looking forward to. (I think that may be the case many months.)
TITANS #10
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! It’s Titans vs. the JLA! In the aftermath of DCU: DECISIONS #4, the JLA wants Jericho, but the Titans don't give up on one of their own. In the end, though, it looks like they’ll lose another member!
Still getting this, although I could wish for a more interesting portrayal of Starfire.
WONDER WOMAN #29
“Rise of The Olympian” part 4! Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! The Olympians have risen to begin their all-out assault on war across the globe! One particular attack could spell the end of the Department of Metahuman Affairs, and Wonder Woman's life is changed forever in the aftermath of Genocide's savage beating...and that's just the stuff we can tell you! Don't miss this crucial arc in Wonder Woman's history!
"Crucial arc" isn't really much of a selling point considering how often Wonder Woman's "history" tends to be rewritten.
SHAZAM!: THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL TP
“Remarkable . . . a comic book that can be savored and admired by everyone from kids to the most sophisticated graphic novel devotee.” — Entertainment Weekly
Jeff Smith, the award-winning creator of BONE, tells the story of young orphan Billy Batson who finds himself transformed into the World's Mightiest Mortal whenever he says the magic word "Shazam!" In this new trade paperback edition collecting the cclaimed 4-issue miniseries at DC’s standard trim size, Billy must use these extraordinary abilities to face an invasion of alien creatures as well as stop mad scientist Dr. Sivana and his Monster Society of Evil from taking over the world!
For the kids (no, really! :)). I've been watching for this one to show up.
JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL VOL. 1 TP
Collecting the classic JUSTICE LEAGUE #1-6 and JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #7! Can an unlikely new Justice League lineup work as a unit to stop terrorists at the U.N., the Royal Flush Gang, and other threats — or will they succumb to squabbling and bad jokes?
I will have to check to see whether I've already got these stories in other TPBs.
SUPERGIRL: COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE EIGHTH GRADE #3
As if being an 8th grader wasn't hard enough, a meteor strikes and makes all of the students at Stanhope Boarding School really super. And why is Belinda Zee suddenly being so nice?
I think we are waiting for the trade on this one. I think. Just pointing out that it looks like a fun read.
SCOOBY-DOO #141
WThe Scoobs bump into danger with a night of thrills, chills...and goblins? Get in gear for a frightening good time with this companion to the Scooby movie, Scooby-Doo and the Shadow Goblins! Contains previously solicited content published here for the first time.
As always, for the nine-year-old.
“Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” part 1 of 2! Best-selling author Neil Gaiman (THE SANDMAN) and superstar artist Andy Kubert (BATMAN, Marvel 1602) join forces for a special 2-part BATMAN event! “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader” is a captivating and mysterious tale the likes of which Batman and friends have never experienced before. Delving into the realms of life, death and the afterlife, Gaiman leaves no stone unturned as he explores every facet and era of Bruce Wayne’s life.
DETECTIVE COMICS #853
“Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” part 2 of 2! This second part of Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert’s special collaboration is sure to be a BATMAN story for the ages. This extraordinary tale, told as only Gaiman and Kubert can, explores the intricate relationships between Bruce Wayne and his friends and adversaries and builds toward an exciting and unexpected climax. It’s a classic in the making!
I don't know for certain-sure if I want this, but I might. Honestly, Gaiman is not a selling point--I don't dislike him, have enjoyed his works in the past, but don't think that him as author will guarantee the book.
ROBIN #183
A “Batman: Last Rites” tie-in and featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Gotham City has found a new hero and his name is Robin – but with a battle for Batman's cowl looming, is Tim Drake ready to become something more? Guest-starring Jason Todd and Lady Shiva. And don’t worry, this final issue doesn’t mark the end of Robin – it’s just the start of an all-new beginning!
Oh, why not? It's the last one. Besides, it's got Jason Todd in it.
BIRDS OF PREY #127
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Oracle calls on Batgirl to investigate her newest operative, Infinity, to find out what she's made of. The answer is a lot more disconcerting to the team than they’d expect in this series finale!
Not sure what "Origins and Omens" is (have I missed something on the internet?) but will get it.
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #33
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! It’s the prelude to “The Blackest Night” as the “War of Light” continues to intensify! Mongul attempts to establish his hold on the Sinestro Corps by enslaving the planet Daxam and making it the home world of his Corps. What does Sinestro's right hand man, Arkillo, think of all this? And will Sodam Yat, the Green Lantern known as Ion, fight to save his homeworld, which he's vowed to never return to?
Well, I am kind of looking forward to "Blackest Night."
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #24
“Black Adam and Isis” part 2 and featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup! The Justice Society faces off against a fully powered Black Adam and his wife, Isis, for control of the Rock of Eternity. But when Mary Marvel enters the fray, will she side with the Justice Society or join the Black Marvel family?
I believe I mentioned this one yesterday.
SECRET SIX #6
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! This is the big one! After Junior's horrifying unmasking last issue, the bruised and battered remnants of the Secret Six try to deliver their package to their mysterious benefactor in Gotham City, a city made even more dangerous by the notable absence of Batman. The only problem is a crowd of villains and heroes determined to block them every step of the way!
This is the one I'm most looking forward to. (I think that may be the case many months.)
TITANS #10
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! It’s Titans vs. the JLA! In the aftermath of DCU: DECISIONS #4, the JLA wants Jericho, but the Titans don't give up on one of their own. In the end, though, it looks like they’ll lose another member!
Still getting this, although I could wish for a more interesting portrayal of Starfire.
WONDER WOMAN #29
“Rise of The Olympian” part 4! Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! The Olympians have risen to begin their all-out assault on war across the globe! One particular attack could spell the end of the Department of Metahuman Affairs, and Wonder Woman's life is changed forever in the aftermath of Genocide's savage beating...and that's just the stuff we can tell you! Don't miss this crucial arc in Wonder Woman's history!
"Crucial arc" isn't really much of a selling point considering how often Wonder Woman's "history" tends to be rewritten.
SHAZAM!: THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL TP
“Remarkable . . . a comic book that can be savored and admired by everyone from kids to the most sophisticated graphic novel devotee.” — Entertainment Weekly
Jeff Smith, the award-winning creator of BONE, tells the story of young orphan Billy Batson who finds himself transformed into the World's Mightiest Mortal whenever he says the magic word "Shazam!" In this new trade paperback edition collecting the cclaimed 4-issue miniseries at DC’s standard trim size, Billy must use these extraordinary abilities to face an invasion of alien creatures as well as stop mad scientist Dr. Sivana and his Monster Society of Evil from taking over the world!
For the kids (no, really! :)). I've been watching for this one to show up.
JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL VOL. 1 TP
Collecting the classic JUSTICE LEAGUE #1-6 and JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #7! Can an unlikely new Justice League lineup work as a unit to stop terrorists at the U.N., the Royal Flush Gang, and other threats — or will they succumb to squabbling and bad jokes?
I will have to check to see whether I've already got these stories in other TPBs.
SUPERGIRL: COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE EIGHTH GRADE #3
As if being an 8th grader wasn't hard enough, a meteor strikes and makes all of the students at Stanhope Boarding School really super. And why is Belinda Zee suddenly being so nice?
I think we are waiting for the trade on this one. I think. Just pointing out that it looks like a fun read.
SCOOBY-DOO #141
WThe Scoobs bump into danger with a night of thrills, chills...and goblins? Get in gear for a frightening good time with this companion to the Scooby movie, Scooby-Doo and the Shadow Goblins! Contains previously solicited content published here for the first time.
As always, for the nine-year-old.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Looking forward to this one
I was looking at the DC Solicitation preview preview at Newsarama, and noted the upcoming JSA book, which will feature Black Adam and Isis. So that's something to look forward to. The cover is interesting, though--Isis doesn't look any too happy. Any too anything, really.
I'm seriously wanting to know what's up with her this time around!
I'm seriously wanting to know what's up with her this time around!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Pretty pictures
So I visit the Marvel website every so often to see if they have any new wallpapers that appeal to me. More often than not, they don't.
However, this week I found this:
Buscema variant Captain America 44
And I put it right on my computer and I plan to leave it there for a while. For the nostalgia value.
Because, yes, I do like the art in today's comics--but there's a little piece of me that still thinks that that is what comics are supposed to look like.
However, this week I found this:
Buscema variant Captain America 44
And I put it right on my computer and I plan to leave it there for a while. For the nostalgia value.
Because, yes, I do like the art in today's comics--but there's a little piece of me that still thinks that that is what comics are supposed to look like.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Just a little wistfulness.
The husband grew up on Marvel Comics Saturday morning cartoons.
I didn't. That whole "we lived in the country and got exactly one network on the antenna and it wasn't ABC" thing.
Man, I missed out.
Wonder if they're available on DVD...
I didn't. That whole "we lived in the country and got exactly one network on the antenna and it wasn't ABC" thing.
Man, I missed out.
Wonder if they're available on DVD...
Saturday, November 15, 2008
In which I am greedy
My thought on this Dan Didio 20 Questions thing:
An Oracle mini does not a Birds of Prey ongoing replace.
An Oracle mini does not a Birds of Prey ongoing replace.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Aw, man.
According to this article, WizKids, the company behind HeroClix, is being shut down by owner Topps. (If I understand the business relationships correctly, which I'll admit I may not.)
The kids and I don't play a lot of HeroClix--maybe once a month if that--but we have a lot of fun when we do. I hope they're able to find some way to keep it going, as they say they'll try to do.
The kids and I don't play a lot of HeroClix--maybe once a month if that--but we have a lot of fun when we do. I hope they're able to find some way to keep it going, as they say they'll try to do.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wondering
I just finished reading last month's Wonder Woman. Of the lot, it was the last comic I read. And I'm not sure why that is. It's certainly a better read than it's been in years. The characterization is good, the art is gorgeous. And this one featured a villain from one of my favorite Morrison-era JLA storylines.
But...I just can't seem to make myself a Wonder Woman fan. Not in the "must read it immediately!" sense. Or even in the "read it as soon as I've got a spare hour or so" sense.
It's not because the book is badly written, because it's not.
It's not because of a lack of good supporting cast, because Etta Candy!
It's not, goodness knows, that I don't like female characters. (She-Hulk is close to the top of the list of comics I do read the day they arrive. So's Birds of Prey.)
I think it may be that when it comes down to it, I like the idea of Wonder Woman more than I like the character herself.
More to the point, I think it may be a case of Superman Syndrome.
For one thing, I've never been a big fan of the unbelievably powerful characters. Never cared for Superman (well, that's understandable when it comes to Silver Age Superman). Never read Thor or The Hulk. I did read Iron Man, but back in the day he wasn't quite as big a gun as he is currently.
I've also never been a big fan of role-model characters. It might be my Marvel-girl upbringing, but the characters who are too good to be true? Always honest and true, never mean or crabby? Always do the right thing and are never really tempted to do otherwise? I'd love to have them fighting crime in my city, but reading about them is something different. And that's Diana. It has to be--she's got the power level that requires it, she's got the will that makes it possible.
I want to like Wonder Woman. In many ways I do. But she's never managed to capture my imagination in the way so many other superheroes have. And if Gail Simone can't do it for me, I suspect that no one could.
However, my kids do like Wonder Woman. Which is why the book is safe in its spot in my get list.
But...I just can't seem to make myself a Wonder Woman fan. Not in the "must read it immediately!" sense. Or even in the "read it as soon as I've got a spare hour or so" sense.
It's not because the book is badly written, because it's not.
It's not because of a lack of good supporting cast, because Etta Candy!
It's not, goodness knows, that I don't like female characters. (She-Hulk is close to the top of the list of comics I do read the day they arrive. So's Birds of Prey.)
I think it may be that when it comes down to it, I like the idea of Wonder Woman more than I like the character herself.
More to the point, I think it may be a case of Superman Syndrome.
For one thing, I've never been a big fan of the unbelievably powerful characters. Never cared for Superman (well, that's understandable when it comes to Silver Age Superman). Never read Thor or The Hulk. I did read Iron Man, but back in the day he wasn't quite as big a gun as he is currently.
I've also never been a big fan of role-model characters. It might be my Marvel-girl upbringing, but the characters who are too good to be true? Always honest and true, never mean or crabby? Always do the right thing and are never really tempted to do otherwise? I'd love to have them fighting crime in my city, but reading about them is something different. And that's Diana. It has to be--she's got the power level that requires it, she's got the will that makes it possible.
I want to like Wonder Woman. In many ways I do. But she's never managed to capture my imagination in the way so many other superheroes have. And if Gail Simone can't do it for me, I suspect that no one could.
However, my kids do like Wonder Woman. Which is why the book is safe in its spot in my get list.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Note to self
Yeah, I need to just stay away from eBay and their pages and pages of action figure listings.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
No matter what Trinity says
You know, I still don't buy the notion of Superman/Batman/Wonder Woman being soooo much more important than any of the other DC heroes.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Silver lining
While I don't mind getting my comics by mail, I don't think it's the ideal way to get them. You pretty much have to make all your comic-buying decisions sight unseen based solely on the solicitations. You can't browse, can't see something interesting on the shelves and pick it up.
But there's one good thing about it, and I was reminded of that today when I looked out the window and saw the snow on the ground: even if there's a blizzard that I wouldn't want to drive in, I still get my comics.
But there's one good thing about it, and I was reminded of that today when I looked out the window and saw the snow on the ground: even if there's a blizzard that I wouldn't want to drive in, I still get my comics.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Why I haven't read your latest post yet
I am, at the present time, far behind on my comic blog-post reading.
That happens every so often. I get busy and don't spend much time online, or I need to use my online time in other ways and don't get to it, and before you know it there are thousands of posts left to read in Bloglines. Right now I think I've got a record-setting backlog of post-reading with over 8000 posts left unread. That's over 8000 pieces of other people's time and effort, just waiting for me.
Now, I'm not giving all the blame to my poor time-management skills. Some of it has to do with my inability to resist adding a blog to my list (there are, erm, 285 blogs on it).
I don't think it's that I totally lack any discernment. (Maybe it is. How would I know? :)) I think it's more that, after all these years, I still can't get past the idea that Something Comic-Related on the Internet is a rare and precious thing. That I need to read it all because there just isn't all that much of it. Clearly this belief contradicts all the evidence, but I can't seem to get past it.
The result, of course, is that my ambition to read the comic internet exceeds my ability to do so. By a lot. A whole lot.
I do eventually get around to reading everything on the list. I just don't do it in a timely manner.
That happens every so often. I get busy and don't spend much time online, or I need to use my online time in other ways and don't get to it, and before you know it there are thousands of posts left to read in Bloglines. Right now I think I've got a record-setting backlog of post-reading with over 8000 posts left unread. That's over 8000 pieces of other people's time and effort, just waiting for me.
Now, I'm not giving all the blame to my poor time-management skills. Some of it has to do with my inability to resist adding a blog to my list (there are, erm, 285 blogs on it).
I don't think it's that I totally lack any discernment. (Maybe it is. How would I know? :)) I think it's more that, after all these years, I still can't get past the idea that Something Comic-Related on the Internet is a rare and precious thing. That I need to read it all because there just isn't all that much of it. Clearly this belief contradicts all the evidence, but I can't seem to get past it.
The result, of course, is that my ambition to read the comic internet exceeds my ability to do so. By a lot. A whole lot.
I do eventually get around to reading everything on the list. I just don't do it in a timely manner.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
That was a pleasant surprise.
So I was placing my comic book order today. Now, when you create an order from your pull list, it automatically adds all versions of each title you get, meaning that it adds every single variant cover. Obviously, I generally then get to spend some time removing all the pricey ones. It's a little annoying, but with so many folks wanting the variants, I understand that it's the logical way to go. More often than not, I remove well over $100 in extra variants from my order before placing it.
Today? I glanced up at the corner, at the running total, and saw pretty much what I ought to have seen. I had to remove exactly one unwanted variant from my list.
I guess the event season is over.
Today? I glanced up at the corner, at the running total, and saw pretty much what I ought to have seen. I had to remove exactly one unwanted variant from my list.
I guess the event season is over.
Friday, November 07, 2008
A realization
You know, I pretty much ignore anything I see online about Marvel's Ultimate line of comics. I did read Ultimates and, I think, Ultimates 2. They were all right, they were entertaining in a "What If?" sort of way, but I never got particularly attached to them.
And that's because, apparently, I am one of "those" comic fans. The annoying ones.
One of the things that makes comics so dear to me, one of the things that keeps me coming back for more, is the convoluted continuity. The complicated and sometimes conflicting backstory, the steady parade of villains and lovers, the costume changes, the partnerships, the team-ups. Without those ties, without that intricate web of connections, that sense of history, the way that Spider-Man manages to have forty years worth of adventures in a quarter of that time? I may read it if it's around, but I won't usually seek it out, and I'll lose interest pretty easily if the books lose quality.
Ah, but the comics that are firmly bound to their universe's continuity? Those, I'm so much more forgiving of. Because I've got so much more invested in them, personally.
I'm not saying I want to change. I'm just saying that I am a fangirl, and I suppose I ought to embrace it.
And that's because, apparently, I am one of "those" comic fans. The annoying ones.
One of the things that makes comics so dear to me, one of the things that keeps me coming back for more, is the convoluted continuity. The complicated and sometimes conflicting backstory, the steady parade of villains and lovers, the costume changes, the partnerships, the team-ups. Without those ties, without that intricate web of connections, that sense of history, the way that Spider-Man manages to have forty years worth of adventures in a quarter of that time? I may read it if it's around, but I won't usually seek it out, and I'll lose interest pretty easily if the books lose quality.
Ah, but the comics that are firmly bound to their universe's continuity? Those, I'm so much more forgiving of. Because I've got so much more invested in them, personally.
I'm not saying I want to change. I'm just saying that I am a fangirl, and I suppose I ought to embrace it.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Now I want to know
So, as I mentioned briefly yesterday, DC is ending the run of three Bat-titles--Nightwing, Robin, and Birds of Prey.
We don't get Nightwing, and we've only recently started to pick up Robin, but we've gotten Birds of Prey for quite a while and will miss it.
People have been saying that it's likely that at least some of these cancellations have to do with post-R.I.P. changes and that the titles will probably be replaced with other Bat-related books. I can see that with Nightwing and Robin. But Birds of Prey? I don't even classify that as a Bat-book, not really. The association is, in a lot of ways, only marginal. So my question is, what the heck is going to be happening to Barbara Gordon?
We don't get Nightwing, and we've only recently started to pick up Robin, but we've gotten Birds of Prey for quite a while and will miss it.
People have been saying that it's likely that at least some of these cancellations have to do with post-R.I.P. changes and that the titles will probably be replaced with other Bat-related books. I can see that with Nightwing and Robin. But Birds of Prey? I don't even classify that as a Bat-book, not really. The association is, in a lot of ways, only marginal. So my question is, what the heck is going to be happening to Barbara Gordon?
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Wednesday morning, isn't it?
I'm in a good enough mood, post-election, that even this can't bring me down.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Who do you trust?
Tomorrow is election day. Since I think it's important to educate our kids about the important things--like comic books!--we're having a little election party with some friends to eat snacks and watch the returns. So I've got a refrigerator full of finger Jell-O (red, white and blue), plenty of Chex mix made by the fourteen-year-old (she'll be eligible to vote in the next election, speaking of things that make me feel old), and tortilla chips and salsa (wanted red and blue chips but couldn't find any red so we've just got blue and regular). Also making some no-bake cookies because, well, sugar.
I've got black-and-white outline electoral college vote maps for the kids to color in red and blue as the results come in, and we'll have some sort of board up so they can add the numbers. I am hoping they won't have to be up too late to have some idea of who's won before they go to bed, but in any case I think this will give them some idea of just how it all works. And, at least for the nine-year-old, it seems to have given her the sense that the election is something to be excited about, something really important. She's very much looking forward to tomorrow night, and made a point of picking out red, white and blue to wear to school.
I've tried to emphasize, in talking with her, that neither of the candidates is bad. That they're both good men and they both genuinely feel that their ideas are best for the country, and that good people support both candidates for good reasons. It's a matter of whose ideas you agree with. (I wish some of the other parents of kids at her school had done likewise, but that's a rant for another time.)
Anyway, I'm going to go make those cookies, and then I'm going to open this month's box of comics and sit down and read a few, and forget about politics for a little while. And be reminded that, no matter how bad things may seem, at least we don't have to worry about Skrulls or the Anti-Life Equation. I think.
I've got black-and-white outline electoral college vote maps for the kids to color in red and blue as the results come in, and we'll have some sort of board up so they can add the numbers. I am hoping they won't have to be up too late to have some idea of who's won before they go to bed, but in any case I think this will give them some idea of just how it all works. And, at least for the nine-year-old, it seems to have given her the sense that the election is something to be excited about, something really important. She's very much looking forward to tomorrow night, and made a point of picking out red, white and blue to wear to school.
I've tried to emphasize, in talking with her, that neither of the candidates is bad. That they're both good men and they both genuinely feel that their ideas are best for the country, and that good people support both candidates for good reasons. It's a matter of whose ideas you agree with. (I wish some of the other parents of kids at her school had done likewise, but that's a rant for another time.)
Anyway, I'm going to go make those cookies, and then I'm going to open this month's box of comics and sit down and read a few, and forget about politics for a little while. And be reminded that, no matter how bad things may seem, at least we don't have to worry about Skrulls or the Anti-Life Equation. I think.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Can I leave you some of our literature?
We had some friends over last, night, and one of them was someone who had asked to borrow my Watchmen trade, so I had it out during the party so I wouldn't forget to give it to her. It was interesting to see how many folks picked it up and glanced through it during the evening.
Actually, I've noticed that a lot--if we've got company and I've got comics out--which isn't that unusual since the kids tend to leave them around--a lot of times people will pick them up and look through them. They don't sit down and read them, of course, since they're there to socialize. But they're kind of a draw in a way that other books and magazines don't seem to be. And these aren't comic readers, they're just average people (well, as average as our friends tend to be, which I'll admit isn't very :)). Comics just seem to attract people.
Now, I'm not particularly interested in "recruiting for the cause," but--if I were--I'm wondering whether just keeping a small stack of comics on your coffee table would do the trick.
After that, you could leave some in laundromats or dentist's offices, anywhere people tend to have to wait? Maybe stick them on people's windshields at the mall? Go from door to door, spreading the word of Stan Lee? After all, there's only a few letters' difference between Watchmen and Watchtower.
(The things you think of when you haven't had enough sleep!)
Actually, I've noticed that a lot--if we've got company and I've got comics out--which isn't that unusual since the kids tend to leave them around--a lot of times people will pick them up and look through them. They don't sit down and read them, of course, since they're there to socialize. But they're kind of a draw in a way that other books and magazines don't seem to be. And these aren't comic readers, they're just average people (well, as average as our friends tend to be, which I'll admit isn't very :)). Comics just seem to attract people.
Now, I'm not particularly interested in "recruiting for the cause," but--if I were--I'm wondering whether just keeping a small stack of comics on your coffee table would do the trick.
After that, you could leave some in laundromats or dentist's offices, anywhere people tend to have to wait? Maybe stick them on people's windshields at the mall? Go from door to door, spreading the word of Stan Lee? After all, there's only a few letters' difference between Watchmen and Watchtower.
(The things you think of when you haven't had enough sleep!)
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Yeah, it's another link...
...but this one is awesome, a nice mix of real-world and comic-world events.
Top 50 WTF Moments in Comics
Top 50 WTF Moments in Comics
Saturday, November 01, 2008
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